Dominican Republic Medical Placement

Dominican Republic Medical Placement

There is so much more to this dazzling part of the Caribbean than picture perfect beaches fringed with iridescent sandy shores. Enjoy balmy, sun soaked days and tropical nights while dancing to merengue music and enjoying Dominican Republic food. Immerse yourself in the community; watch a game of dominoes being played on aluminium tables in the shade of a bar painted sky blue, smell the pungent aroma of locally made cigars and enjoy the honey sweet coffee that the Dominican Republic is famous for.

The township of Samana is extremely peaceful and people enjoy a largely laid back lifestyle. The social and political environment is safe and authorities are very helpful and welcome the presence of foreign volunteers. Despite the resilience and ingenuity of Dominican Republicans, many people still face significant challenges as the population grows and society diversifies. Lack of basic services such as education, infrastructure and healthcare, along with limited job prospects are common difficulties managed by the people of the DR.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Minimum age of 18 years

FAST FACTS

Location

Dominican Republic

Activities

Observe, shadow and assist doctors and nurses
Provide domiciliary care for patients
Observe, shadow and assist medics and paramedics (depending on qualifications and experience)
Provide ambulance support
Encourage and teach prevention, hygiene and checkups
Spend time with specialist doctors when available

Transport

Pickup from local bus station
Airport pickup available for an extra cost

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

The Dominican Republic faces many challenges when it comes to primary and preventative healthcare for its people. It is common for medical conditions to remain untreated and to progress to an advanced pathological stage uncommon in wealthier countries. This observation and experience program allows you to assist and shadow medics, whilst sharing your skills with healthcare professionals at the hospital.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

The program will allow you to observe medical practices and give you the opportunity to take part in the day-to-day running of a hospital or clinic. During the program you will shadow doctors and nurses and gain a hands on experience of medicine in a different setting. You may get the opportunity to work in different areas within the hospital including maternity, emergency, podiatry, integral attention and prevention for HIV, tuberculosis and uterine cancer. Please note that your level of involvement will depend completely upon your own previous experience and qualifications as well as the needs of the patients at the time of your visit. It is therefore important to remain flexible.

SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

Applicants for this program must be medical students or professionals. Volunteers are also required to know a basic level of Spanish.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

Upon arrival there is a pick up service available from the bus terminal free of charge. Airport pickup can also be arranged for an small extra cost of approximately $50.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Volunteers will be staying in the volunteer guesthouse, which is located in the centre of town and only minutes from the beach front walking promenade where you will find a multitude of restaurants, bars, banks, shops and internet cafes with wifi. The house is located in a scenic, laid back and peaceful town. The guesthouse is a shared living space for short and long term volunteers and is furnished throughout and complete with a fully equipped kitchen. Volunteers work and live together and often build strong bonds, develop lifelong friendships, and have immense fun along the way! Rooms are twin-share, there is 24 hour support from local staff and WiFi is available at the office.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

As volunteers cater meals for themselves, they often decide to shop for food and prepare meals together with other volunteers and interns. This provides a great opportunity for cultural exchange and bonding between volunteers. There are also numerous restaurants located a short walking distance from the guesthouse.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Additionally, volunteers receive six free language lessons every week, which focus on developing communication skills to add more value to volunteer placements. By learning in a natural and spontaneous way, volunteers become more confident communicating with locals and colleagues during their placement. The basic syllabus is supplemented by special exercises, such as role-play, situational dialogues and work projects. Outside the classroom the learning process continues as you are immersed in Spanish language and culture.

There are also several activities for you to do during your spare time including whale spotting, hikes into the virgin rainforest nearby and there are also trails which lead to hilltop lookouts or wild rivers deep in the forest. There is also the opportunity for horseriding to discover nearby rivers and waterfalls. There are numerous amazing beaches very close by and public transport is very economic. In-country staff can help you with pricing and booking trips with local operators after you arrive in Dominican Republic.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

To apply for this placement, click on "Apply Now" below. Fill in the short application form and one of our advisers will then call you back to answer any questions and make sure this is the perfect placement for you. Applying doesn't cost a penny and you won't pay anything until you're completely happy and you're ready to reserve your place.